Lombard Street is known for the one-way block on Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, where eight sharp turns are said to make it the most crooked street in the world.
The crooked part of Lombard Street was designed in 1922, after it was determined that the 27% grade of the hill was too steep for most vehicles, and even pedestrians. The switchbacks were designed to increase the ability to travel safely on Lombard, the one way street was paved with red bricks in its now-famously crooked fashion, and a recommended speed limit of 5 mph was established.
We had been waiting for the Powell-Hyde Cable car and we were getting impatient so we decided to take the Powell-Mason line because it will drop us three blocks away at Lombard and Columbus. I suggest waiting for the powell-Hyde car because the Powell-Mason option required us to take a very strenuous, uphill walk for several blocks to get to the intersection of Leavenworth and Lombard. Those San Francisco streets are no joke.
We decided to walk to see the city, and I'm so glad that we did, but another option is to drive to Lombard Street, allowing you to experience the crazy turns yourself. If you choose this option, be sure to approach the block from Van Ness Avenue to the west, turning east onto Lombard, and be prepared to wait in traffic.
Once we got to Lombard Street we encountered a number of gorgeous photo ops, featuring the magnificent mansions, beautifully landscaped gardens, and colorful flowers that frame Lombard on both sides. At the top of the hill, there is a sweeping view of the water surrounding the city, the Bay Bridge, and Coit Tower.
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